Beginning an Aromatherapy regime, I am talking about something beyond burning a scented candle or soaking in a bath salt blend, can be a little intimidating to some. Those little bottles of liquids that are so very expensive, all those blends that are for this or for that. How in the world do I even use essential oils to improve my health, happiness or well being anyway?

To tell you the truth it is much easier than one may think, getting started in aromatherapy will open a whole new world in effective natural treatments and remedies that will elevate your mood, calm your nerves, and support healing of many common ailments. Once the fundamental concepts of aromatherapy are understood, the basics are simple.

What is aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is in essence – the practice of using essential oils, aromatic compounds extracted from plants through steam distillation. The oils that are extracted act as chemical messengers from the plant it was extracted from. Every different essential oil contains many volatile substances, which are easily evaporated and compatible to the physical make up of the body. The great part of the whole thing is they also work for the human body the same way they work in plants. They act as chemical messengers through our sense of smell via our limbic system, protecting our bodies from foreign invaders by their anti viral and anti bacterial affects.

I am going to focus mainly on the emotional and mental effects of aromatherapy. Essential oils are absorbed best when used in two ways: First method is inhalation, in this method the aroma directly affects certain parts of the brain. The second method is topical application, in this method the compounds can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream. (Note: In some instances oral indigestion may be an option, but only under experienced medical supervision. SOME OILS CAN BE TOXIC, and even oils that seem to be harmless should not be used in some conditions. If pregnant , or have other medical conditions or needs, consult a certified knowledgeable practitioner before using essential oils)

Inhaling Essential Oils

There are many benefits to oils, many have been found to help concentration, reduce anxiety and tension and even alleviate depression. Don’t you want draw from these great benefits?

To prepare essential oils for inhalation and experience these great effects, can be done in a few simple cost effective steps: the handkerchief method, making smelling salts or making your own aroma therapy mister.

The first method the “handkerchief” is exactly what it sounds like, a drop or two of oil or blend is placed on a tissue and inhale. Be careful not to come in direct contact with the sensitive skin under the nose. Some oils may cause irritation. You may even want to leave the tissue or hankie in your work space so that you will continue to get the evaporating effects of the oil.

In the making smelling salts it is a similar process, it will also last a bit longer. The second method, “smelling salts”, is made by filling a small vial (preferably dark) with sea salt and drop your essential oils into the salt. The amount of oil that is used is not that important here, there needs to be a detectable fragrance, don’t over do it and completely make the salt wet. Whenever you need a lift, unscrew the bottle and inhale. This vile may also be left open in work space or ect. so the aroma is continuously inhaled.

The third method, “mister”, can be used to infuse entire room with fragrance. To make a “mister”, use a small spray bottle fill with water and add your essential oils to that. Shake bottle before each use.

Here are a few recipes for the inhalation method ( In all recipes the number of drops of oil and or the amount of carrier oils are used as ratios, which can be increased or decreased by you as needed):

The calming of anxiety; equal parts of Roman Chamomile, Bergamot and Orange or you could use 3 drops of Lavender, 2 drops of Neroli and 1 drop of Bergamot.

A harmonious atmosphere; equal parts of Geranium, Patchouli, and Bergamot or you could use 3 drops of Jasmine, 1 drop of Ylang Ylang and 1 drop of Sandalwood.

Massaging Aromatherapy

Lets now discuss the topical application method. This method is in most instances described as aromatherapy massage. Usually done by a massage therapist, but can be done by self as well. Making a massage oil for yourself is a relatively simple straight forward process. Just dilute 10 to 20 drops of essential oils per ounce of carrier oil. Carrier oils are used to mix the essential oils with, there are many carrier oils that can be used but the best all around carrier oil for massage therapy is Sweet Almond oil.

While giving the massage or self massaging there is no right or wrong techniques involved here, let your gut instincts be your guide. To be more advanced, do some research into how to create synergy with certain essential oils as well as the different acupressure points associated on the human body.

The same blends that were used in the inhalation method can also be used in the massage method. In any case here are a few more recipes:

For sensual massage; add 8 drops of Sandalwood, 6 drops of Rose, 4 drops of Lavender and 2 drops of Ylang Ylang per one ounce of carrier oil.

For opening the heart; add 4 drops of Spikenard, 4 drops of Lavender and 2 drops of Rose per one ounce of carrier oil.

For total relaxation; add 6 drops of Lavender, 4 drops of Neroli and 2 drops of Bergamot per one ounce of carrier oil.

Creation of your own blends is something you should not be afraid to try. There are definitively certain oils that you will enjoy better than others, that is what is so fun about aromatherapy, you can mix and match oils to find out which fragrances you like best. The oils that a person finds to be most enjoyable are in most cases the fragrances that will be most effective for them. The only thing that is recommended when blending your own oils. Is that, when ratios are changed make changes very slowly. Keep track of all changes added or subtracted till you find your optimum fragrance. Start off with one drop of each oil in a small vile, making sure that it has time to blend well for a couple of minutes before adding more oil to the blend, 1 drop at a time.

A good rule of thumb to go by for oils is:
Citrus oils such as Orange, Bergamot, Lemon and Lime tend to give a calming effect while giving extra alertness.
Herb oils such as Peppermint and Rosemary are invigorating.
Floral oils such as Lavender, Chamomile, Jasmine and Neroli are relaxing oils.

A note to remember this is only a guide, many essential oils have a complex variety of properties that affect each and every person differently. Let your nose guide you.

In Conclusion

To get started with aromatherapy is a relatively painless process, with these simple steps, you will be able to prepare your own aromatherapy regime tailored to your needs.
This tailor made regime can lead to a long term appreciation of the wonders of plants.

Tags: anxiety, aromatherapy, blends, chamomile, Depression, extracts, Health, inhalation, lavender, liquids, massage, natural, oil, relaxation, rose, sandalwood, therapy

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